The Sissala West District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has embarked on a sensitisation campaign on drug and substance abuse in selected basic schools in the district.
Warning Pupils in Sissala West on Dangers of Drug Abuse
The exercise, aimed at educating pupils on the dangers associated with drug and substance abuse, has covered four basic schools in the district: Kunkorgu, Kusali, Kandia, and Buoti. Over 800 pupils, comprising 412 boys and 388 girls, have been reached through the campaign.
Mr Mustapha Iddrisu, Sissala West District Director of the NCCE, explained that the programme sought to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make responsible decisions and resist behaviours that could negatively affect their future.
During the sensitisation sessions, the lead facilitator, Mr Mohammed Sulley, assisted by Mr Nasare Alhassan, educated the pupils on commonly abused substances, including alcohol, tramadol, marijuana, energy drinks, and the misuse of prescription-only medicines. The facilitators highlighted the harmful effects of substance abuse, such as poor academic performance, addiction, mental and physical health challenges, indiscipline, and violent behaviour.
The facilitators urged the pupils to resist peer pressure, avoid experimenting with drugs, and seek guidance from parents, teachers, and health professionals whenever they encountered challenges. They also encouraged the pupils to report suspected drug-related activities to responsible adults and to serve as ambassadors against drug and substance abuse in their schools and communities.
Educating Pupils on Substance Abuse
The sensitisation campaign is part of a broader effort to promote healthy lifestyles among schoolchildren in Sissala West. The programme is aimed at equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and resist behaviours that could negatively affect their future.
The facilitators used a range of materials and activities to engage the pupils and convey the message about the dangers of substance abuse. They also encouraged the pupils to ask questions and share their concerns about substance abuse.
Commitment to Sustaining Public Education
The NCCE and the GHS have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with schools, parents, and community leaders to sustain public education on drug and substance abuse. They aim to promote a safe, healthy, and drug-free learning environment across the district.
The success of the sensitisation campaign will depend on the continued support and collaboration of the community. The NCCE and the GHS will need to work closely with schools, parents, and community leaders to ensure that the message about the dangers of substance abuse is conveyed effectively to the pupils.
A Safer Learning Environment for Sissala West Pupils
The sensitisation campaign is an important step towards promoting a safer learning environment for pupils in Sissala West. By educating pupils about the dangers of substance abuse, the NCCE and the GHS aim to reduce the incidence of drug-related problems in the district.
The campaign will also help to promote a culture of healthy lifestyles and responsible decision-making among schoolchildren in Sissala West. This is an important step towards creating a safer and more supportive learning environment for all pupils in the district.
Source: Joy Online
